Windhoek: Head coach of Namibia's women's hockey team, Trevor Cormack, has expressed dissatisfaction with preparations for the upcoming International Test Series against South Africa (SA), citing the unavailability of overseas-based players, limited access to training facilities, and financial constraints. The test series is scheduled to take place in Cape Town, SA, from 18 to 25 July 2026 and forms part of Namibia's preparations for the 2027 African Games in Cairo, Egypt.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Cormack indicated that the series of continental games is expected to expose the squad, which includes several young players, to a higher level of competition. "We are therefore not totally satisfied with our preparations for this test series mainly because of the unavailability of our overseas-based players to train with the team and local facility availability to train as well as financial constraints," Cormack stressed.
Despite the challenges, the team has concentrated its preparations on improving fitness levels and implementing tactical frameworks required against top opposition. The coach further highlighted that training sessions have been focused on enhancing the team's fitness to levels they can compete against SA 'at a world-class standard' as well as alignment to frameworks and strategies for the African Games.
Cormack urged followers to be patient, stating that the series will serve as an indicator of the team's current status and will be instrumental in identifying and establishing the necessary building blocks needed to be competitive at the Africa Games. "We ask our followers to be patient as this series will be an indicator of where we currently are and therefore this test series will be instrumental in identifying and establishing the necessary building blocks needed to be competitive at the Africa Games," he added.
The challenge facing Namibia is reflected in the latest International Hockey Federation (FIH) outdoor rankings, where South Africa's women's team is ranked 18th in the world and first in Africa, while Namibia occupies 51st place globally and sixth on the continent. Meanwhile, the team's captain, Kiana-Ch© Cormack, who withdrew from the squad due to injury, noted that competing against South Africa also presents a psychological challenge. "We have not had many opportunities in the past years to compete against RSA and so we are putting in extra hours to prepare psychologically and focus on the task at hand," she said.